Alta Backcountry: Living and Exporing in Wild Places

  • CDT Thru-Ski: Skiing the San Juan Mountains on a hike from Mexico to Canada

    This post is for hikers and prospective skiers who might be interested in tackling the San Juans or other portions of the Continental Divide Trail on skis. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic way to go. In Europe there are… Continue reading

  • Greenland Pre-Trip Checklist

    Review baggage requirements with airlines. Print Permit – 2 copies Secure return date from Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen & Copenhagen to Denver. Footbed refurbish. Warm socks. Purchase bear bangers for Polar Bears. Must do in Tassilaq. Focus on detailed dietary plan… Continue reading

  • The Big Question

    More than any other adventure that Dan and I have embarked on, we’ve received that big question: Why? So far, most of what we’ve done kind of makes sense to most people – even those who are not inclined towards… Continue reading

  • Turning Around the Winter of Discontent

    It’s been a strange winter in Eldora, Colorado. It’s probably the closest I’ve ever felt to the “winter of discontent.” That’s certainly being a little bit dramatic, but there has been a lack of flow that has been disconcerting. As… Continue reading

  • Staying Sane in a Worrisome World

    I’m not a cocky person. Usually, I have a myriad of little things running through my head, putting me in my place, so to speak. When I do have confidence, it’s usually for a good reason. When Dan and I… Continue reading

  • Cold Front and Fresh Snow

    We finally got our Greenland application out just the other day. That’s been a major weight, so it’s nice to have it signed, sealed and delivered. We’ll see what happens. I do worry we don’t have enough requisite polar experience… Continue reading

  • Off the Greyhound, Onto the CDT

    Our Chevy Suburban creeks, groans and moans as her tires bounce and crawl over the red-rocked arroyo gully, deep in the New Mexico bootleg. A long, dusty cloud of red wisps off in the distance behind us. We’re on the… Continue reading

  • Gear Review: Fjallraven W’s Abisko Trekking Tight

      As any woman who has ever done anything even remotely outdoor-oriented knows, finding clothing that is functional (helloooo – pockets, anyone?), fits (we don’t have to look incredibly frumpy, do we?), and is durable is about downright impossible. And… Continue reading

  • How to Ski 100 Days this Winter (and Work Full-time)

    Elaine and I have spent a lot of time in the past seven years since our wedding day sliding around snow on skis. It’s our passion, and has led us to mountains and northern locales around the world. We’ve had… Continue reading

  • Continental Divide Trail Gear List

    by Elaine Vardamis When preparing for such a long trip, a lot of thought goes into what you are willing to carry on your back. Gear choices are going to be a little different for everybody. That being said, here… Continue reading